POP-up Church is a New Worshipping Community set up at St John’s Church in Kidderminster in partnership with St John’s CE Primary school, following an iSingPOP main event in school in January 2025. Last weekend they celebrated their one-year anniversary!
Laura Betson who is Team Vicar for Kidderminster West Team Ministry said:
“POP-up church literally POPs-up with very little preparation from us and is designed to be an informal but exciting and high energy act of all-age worship where everyone can get involved. Each session includes a game, a craft, a Bible story video and of course lots of iSingPOP songs to sing and dance to – some of us are on our feet at the front, while others join in from their seats.”
During its first year POP-up church explored some church seasons like Lent, Easter and Christmas. They also looked at some of the most famous stories about Jesus. Laura said:
“There is always a discussion time where we share our thoughts, and these conversations and questions often continue over the craft activity. This year we will be celebrating the heroes of the faith – last weekend we looked at Abraham and Sarah and their amazing faith in God’s promises, even when all seemed impossible!”
One parent present at POP-up church said:
“POP-up church has made me realise a lot of things about faith and comfort I never would have realised without coming here.”
Another said: “I love the songs, the actions and the people”
One child said:
“It makes people active and it is fun!”
Another said: “I love singing the songs, I know them ALL”
Laura said:
“It’s really important to us at the church that this NWC is in partnership with our church school. POP-up church is in the school calendar, and parents get reminder emails on the run-up to each worship event.”
Laura uses the iSingPOP POPBox resource for inspiration and if they wish those present can get involved with a range of jobs such as lighting the candle, reading a prayer, running the PowerPoint or helping serve refreshments.
Laura added:
“The wonderful thing about Pop-up church is seeing children and parents engage with the Bible stories and bring their thoughts and their questions. For some families this is their first encounter with the church and with God. The enthusiasm of the children in taking part and leading prayers is lovely to see. I get the impression they are really owning this as their church, and we hope to develop this sense of ownership as we grow, involving more youngsters in the planning and leading of worship as we go forwards.”
